Proven Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is used for treating various kinds of diseases. Some of the medicinal properties attributed to this plant are sedative, hypotensive, anti-ageing, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, bradycardiac, respiration stimulating, anti-tumour and radiosensitizing. In Ayurvedic system of medicine and health care, Ashwagandha is considered to be a rejuvenative herb, which in combination with other herbs and natural products is often used for prevention and cure of diverse spectrum of health problems.

Ashwagandha, blended with herbs like shilajit or kutki, matches standard hypoglycemic drugs in lowering blood glucose and cholesterol. In type-2 diabetics, it not just hikes insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance but also helps produce insulin by checking pancreatic beta cell damage. It averts fatty liver and heart diseases by lowering triglycerides and cortisol levels, boosting metabolism, and with its anti-oxidative flavonoids.

As an adaptogen, ashwagandha treats nonclassical adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) symptoms by stimulating the adrenal glands to produce hormones the body lacks in this condition. It raises insulin sensitivity, regulates cortisol levels, and monitors female reproductive hormone production by acting on the thyroid gland, thus treating the diabetes and infertility caused by NCAH. Reportedly, its antioxidants also check hair loss.

Aging leads to weakening of bones and a gradual, progressive decline in height. Withaferin A, a component of Ashwagandha, increases the proliferation of osteoblasts (cells that synthesize bone) and improves bone calcification. Ashwagandha prevents bone weakening. It also promotes bone healing after injury and assists in the growth and repair of osteoporotic bones.

Ashwagandha root and leaf extracts contain components that prevent cancer, enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies, and alleviate the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Ashwagandha selectively inhibits cancer cells using five signaling pathways. It has proven effective against multiple types of cancers including brain, prostate, skin, renal, and breast cancer.

If stress, hypothyroidism, or a breached immunity is bulking you up, try ashwagandha. This adaptogenic herb can lower cortisol levels by 28%, hike the BMR by raising T4 output, and bolster immunity. Rich in iron, it boosts RBC count and circulation, fights inflammation, and augments energy. This spurs weight loss. Add a few crushed leaves to water and drink daily.

Ashwagandha has been found to selectively increase the production of T4 hormone and simultaneously reduce oxidative stress. While this is especially beneficial for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), it might have a regulating effect on hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) as well. Combining Ashwagandha with extracts of other plants such as Guggulu is considered most effective.

Ashwagandha increases the number of pathogen-fighting agents like WBC and platelets, the levels of the key proteins IL2 and IFNγ, and the amount and variety of antibodies. By hiking bone marrow cellularity, it helps produce more pathogen-fighting agents and reverses the ill effects of anticancer drugs on the immune system. It also fights chronic stress, which debilitates the immune system.

Ayurveda recommends Ashwagandha as an aphrodisiac and as a tonic for overall health. Researchers have found that it increases sperm quality, count and motility. It increases testosterone and luteinizing hormone, and reduces follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin. It also reduces oxidative damage and counters stress. Consume 1-2 tsp root extract twice daily for best benefits.

Insomnia is an outcome of disruption in the body's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, typically caused by chronic stress and deterioration in immunity, metabolism and hormonal balance. Ashwagandha does not act as a sedative - instead, it reduces stress, improves vitality and makes the body more robust and active, thereby helping restore the body's natural mechanisms to regulate sleep. 2 tsp a day is safe and effective.

Taken daily, ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels by 28% and mitigate chronic stress, which is a key driver of anxiety and depression. It also curbs calcium excitation, a probable cause of many psychiatric conditions, like anxiety. It trumps standard anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs as it stabilizes mood, relieves insomnia, and revitalizes the body sans side effects or withdrawal symptoms.

Ashwagandha is a direct cure for chronic stress as it can reduce cortisol levels by 28% and promotes restorative sleep. By lowering blood pressure and blood glucose, it treats hypertension and diabetes, both causes and effects of stress. It cures depression and anxiety and can even cure Alzheimer's by repairing damaged brain cells and reconstructing neuronal networks. It also cures stress-induced premature aging.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the most revered plants in Ayurvedic medicine. Because the rejuvenating effects of Ashwagandha parallel those of Panax ginseng, it is frequently referred to as “Indian ginseng.” However, it is not a member of the same botanical family as ginseng. Like ginseng, recent scientific investigations have[.....]

Alzheimer's has been associated with the formation of destructive beta amyloid protein plaques and clumps in the brain. Curcumin inhibits the formation of such plaques and clumps, and may even help break them up. Ashwagandha boosts a protein in the liver, which enters the blood stream and helps clear amyloid from the brain. It is known to reverse memory loss and improve cognitive abilities.

Ashwagandha regulates hormone levels, calms the mind and balances moods, thereby improving the body's response to both psychological and physical stress. It also counters the effect of toxic agents that can inhibit reproductive ability. Post-partum, Ashwagandha can help women regain strength, and even stimulate milk production. Large doses carry risk of abortion, so be cautious.

Perimenopause spikes a hormonal imbalance, with more estrogen than progesterone due to fewer cycles. Though menopause lowers estrogen levels, with progesterone lacking, this imbalance continues. Ashwagandha moderates the effects of high levels of estrogen over progesterone and mitigates symptoms like heavy bleeding, mood swings, or hot flashes. It can even serve as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

PCOS both leads to and is caused by stress. Ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels, restoring other hormones to normalcy and checking free radical damage. As it hikes insulin sensitivity, it lowers fat and the production of testosterone, the hormone disrupting menstrual cycles. Taken with other herbs, it induces ovulation, regularizes periods, and relieves period pain. It works best with a healthy diet and exercise.

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